After an 18 month self-imposed lockdown in the studio, Grace Davies is back and better than ever with her punchy new pop single ‘A Wonderful, Boring, Normal Life’. Romanticising the most mundane moments of a relationship, Grace delves into the feeling of being alone (and at peace) whilst still craving company in the monotonous every day. Co-produced by Grace, the lush string intro lulls you into a false sense of ballad security, before sucker punching you into an involuntary head nod with a thumping beat.
Through pop-perfect melodies and whimsical, euphoric synths appears a relentless chorus with almost rap-like lyricism – shining a light on Grace’s gift for storytelling and hammering home the simple desire to have a picturesque yet ordinary life in love.
“And then I’d give you a drawer where you could put all your sh!t / And you’d say I’m moving quick for someone scared of commitment / So I’d swing by your mothers’ for a coffee and cry / And she’d tell me you’ve been this way since you were a child”.
‘A Wonderful, Boring, Normal Life’ serves as the first single from a brand new era and rejuvenation for Grace. The track was written after a challenging few months, when Grace was close to throwing in the towel on her artist career. She went into the studio with a new writing collaborator (Jon Olav) and new producer (Paul Whalley) – and ended up creating the track that would kick start a brand new, deeply creative phase. Speaking on the new single, Grace Davies explains: “This was really the song that saved me from giving up and reminded me why I love, so very much, what I do. When life gets stressful and you feel like you’ve lost your sense of direction, you find yourself craving the mundane and ordinary. Maybe that’s where the concept for this track began; imagining a life where you have your shit together, you’re financially secure and have everything you need but could also picture someone else within that. I think it’s possible to be alone and not lonely but still want to share life and argue over who’s turn it is to wash the dishes. It’s not a necessity, you don’t need a fairytale – but it might be nice.”
Photo Credit: John Choi
Rising folk-pop sensation Chance Peña unveils his highly-anticipated debut album ‘Ever-Shifting, Continual Blossoming’. The album, described by Peña as “a labor of love, made with the people I love”, is a heartfelt exploration of his musical journey capturing the warmth and depth of his evolving artistry.
‘Ever-Shifting, Continual Blossoming’ is available now on all streaming platforms via ONErpm
Listen to ‘Ever-Shifting, Continual Blossoming’ HERE
The LP sees the rising artist exploring themes of personal growth, overcoming internal struggles, and finding strength in hard times. Peña also delves into the universal complexities of relationships and the longing for deeper connections. The album was written over the course of the past year, with a large part produced by Chance with co-production Naebird and Sarcastic Sounds.
“This project is a glimpse into the lessons I’ve learned over this last year and I’ve been excited about these songs for a while now. I’m really just ready to share these pieces of me with those who listen and to play them live on these upcoming tours,” – Chance Peña
‘Ever-Shifting, Continual Blossoming’ is an earnest, poetic journey through folk-pop sensibilities that stands as a testament to Peña’s growth as one of the most compelling voices in the folk-pop genre today. The album weaves together moving lyricism and rich vocal depth, creating a body of work that is both intimate and relatable. With an extensive discography that has steadily garnered attention and praise over the years, this debut album marks a pivotal moment in Peña’s career—a reflection of the experiences and emotions that have shaped him as an artist to this point.
So far in the album’s campaign, Peña has shared four singles—‘i am not who i was’, ‘Feel It All’, ‘The Mountain Is You’, and most recently, ‘Is What It Is’—each widespread acclaim from fans and industry tastemakers alike. These tracks, along with exclusive live performances of ‘Montana’ and ‘Black Bird’ on A COLORS SHOW and Vevo DSCVR, have set the stage for the full 14-track album, generating great excitement and anticipation for its release.
Track List:
1. Suddenly
2. Montana
3. The Art Of Putting People In Their Place
4. Blackbird
5. i am not who i was
6. Is What It Is
7. Whiskey Angel
8. Cold
9. Head Above Water
10. Feel It All
11. Muscle Memory
12. The Mountain Is You
13. Nobody Likes Change
14. When Life Gets Hard
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The music world unites to celebrate the legacy of George Brown, iconic co-founder of Kool & The Gang and Songwriters Hall of Famer, with the release of his posthumous solo album, ‘Where I’m Coming From.’ Released via Astana Music Inc. and distributed by BFD/The Orchard, this 16-track collection offers an intimate and introspective glimpse into Brown’s life, capturing rich stories of love, family, struggles, and triumphs.
Renowned as the rhythmic backbone of Kool & The Gang, Brown steps into the spotlight with this solo project, showcasing his talents beyond drumming—as a vocalist, guitarist, keyboardist, and percussionist. Standout singles such as “Shawty’s Got,” a tribute to young love, and “What If,” a profound exploration of life’s meaning and the power of faith, reflect the joy, heartache, and spiritual contemplation that shaped his life.
In the album’s forward, Brown’s son, Jorge Brown, reflects: “Dad always said, ‘Good songs tell a story.’ Heartache, pain, loss, joy, excitement, happiness—Dad experienced it all, which meant he had stories, many stories, to tell. We hope that, as you listen, you’ll understand that our Dad was more than just a musician or celebrity. He was a husband, father, son, brother, father-in-law, friend, student, and mentor. His perspectives on the world were hard-won and well-earned, and he believed in fixing what’s been broken for so long.”
‘Where I’m Coming From’ was recorded at Alley Cat Studio, located in Brown’s family home in Woodland Hills, CA. Produced by George Brown and executive produced by Claude Ismael, the album was brought to life by renowned engineers Wolfgang Aichholz (Paula Abdul, Sheena Easton) and Larry Fergusson (Lionel Richie, Barbra Streisand). More than just a musical work, the album serves as a window into Brown’s personal world. His life journey—from growing up in 1940s New Jersey to becoming a driving force behind one of the most influential bands in history—is deeply woven into the fabric of this album, a project he had been crafting for decades. Each track recounts stories of love, loss, and resilience, representing a pivotal chapter in his storied career.
This album arrives just ahead of Kool & The Gang’s upcoming induction into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame on October 19th, where they will be honoured alongside musical legends like Mary J. Blige, Cher, Dave Matthews Band, and Ozzy Osbourne.
George Brown passed away in 2023 at the age of 74, leaving behind a lasting legacy. He is survived by his wife, Hanh Brown, and his five children. ‘Where I’m Coming From’ not only celebrates his remarkable career but immortalises the stories he lived and loved to tell.
Brilliant newcomer aimei 媚 (Pronounced Eye-May) today shares her best song yet, “Dark Arts.” The stunning track will start its life today on the BBC Radio 1 playlist as their BBC Introducing “Track Of The Week” put forward by their Manchester station. This track will also be first to be lifted from her sophomore EP “Bloom” that will land on October 25th just a few days after her next London headline show at the Outernet’s The Lower Third on October 22nd.
the freshly minted record StrataSonic Records officially unveils itself with a brand new release from Parisian house music mastermind and Apollonia ringleader Dan Ghenacia. Ghenacia’s three-track Rouge ou Noir EP is out now.
The title track opens up with looped, funky guitar riffs and neon synths, which wind their way through dusty, dynamic drums. “Chilly” bustles with a blend of louche rhythms and rugged synth arps that dart about the mix—it also gets a low-slung, dubbed-out mix to round out the release. Ghenacia’s knowledge of house music, which he’s accumulated over the last 25-plus years DJing, hosting essential parties, and running vital labels, is crystal clear on this fantastic new solo EP.
“Everything unfolded at a dizzying pace,” says Dan Ghenacia on creating the new EP. “Five days in a dream studio in Los Angeles led to Rouge ou Noir, a surreal and psychedelic experience with funky vibes. Stratasonic, this young label, is showing boundless creativity with its team to maximize the release’s impact.”
Romania-born, Nashville-based melancholy romantic Vlad Holiday has today announced that his debut record, My Favorite Drug, will be released on November 15 via ONErpm. Along with this news comes the second single “Closer.” Feeling like a covert mission, or a secret known only between two lovers, the deeply layered song seems to endlessly build before it is quickly punctuated — Stream.
Today’s release features guest vocals from Cage The Elephant’s Matt Shultz, who is also a co-writer on the track. For careful listeners, Shultz’s voice can be heard singing the “ah ah ah ah” hook and some repeated “closers” in the outro.
On the single, Holiday shares, “This is a love song. It introduces the romantic element of the album. It’s about going with the flow and letting the universe do its thing, rather than forcing things into existence.”
Yukon indie-folk band The August Arrival share their laid-back 80s-influenced new single ‘Whisper’ out now on all digital streaming platforms. Listen here.
Led by Yukon songwriter and vocalist Sara MacDonald, The August Arrival is a solo project supported by friends, incorporating live and recording contributions from an array of musicians who slide in and out of the lineup. ‘Whisper’ is the 2nd single from their forthcoming album Hillsides. On the surface, the song feels energetic and easy-going, but if you dig further, you’ll find a deeper meaning underneath.
“‘Whisper’ is a song about witnessing a loved one struggle,” says Sara. “Writing this song was meaningful in many ways. It gave voice to the intense emotions that can surface when someone close to you faces hardship, which allowed me to gain some distance from those feelings. Additionally, the process of writing the song affirmed my commitment to doing everything possible to help that person. Ultimately, through writing ‘Whisper,’ I came to believe that it was all going to be okay.”
Set for release on October 11th, The August Arrival’s new album, Hillsides, will resonate deeply with fans of intimate indie folk-rock, drawing inspiration from Postdata, Blind Pilot, and Manchester Orchestra. The music’s driving melodies, poetic lyrics, and atmospheric instrumentation create an emotionally charged journey that lingers long after the final notes fade.
‘Whisper’ is available now on Spotify, Apple Music/iTunes, and other digital retailers and streaming services worldwide. For more information, please visit theaugustarrival.com.
HUDSON WESTBROOK “Dopamine”
• “Dopamine” is the newest single from Hudson Westbrook. Self-taught and proudly rough-around-the-edges, the rising star made his debut with “Take It Slow” in 2024, which now has over 10 million streams.
• “As a college kid…many people are going out and living out their younger years. But I think love is special when you sacrifice your ‘having fun’ for someone that you love. This song tells about the unexpected people who might walk into your life and change how you think, hold yourself, and even your activities.” — Hudson Westbrook
• Hudson Westbrook is intent on taking the Texas country spirit far beyond the state line, including headlining dates and a tour supporting honky-tonk hitmakers Midland in late 2024, with more new music and shows to come.
Award-winning recording artist BEAM today returns with brand-new single “KING TUT.” Produced by SkipOnDaBeat and Al Cres, the high-octane single is his first official solo release of new material since his acclaimed album ALIEN. On the boisterous song, BEAM emerges triumphant and delivers an unmistakably confident performance with his customary vigor.
Stream “KING TUT” HERE.
“Dem wan fa test me / Nuh call me nuh text me / Lord as my witness a God a protect me,” raps BEAM, who never hesitates to incorporate patois in his slick talk and has a gifted penchant for organized chaos. “KING TUT” reinforces the anthem quality of much of BEAM’S catalog; “On mummy, it’s up,” is a refrain that will soon be passionately chanting in unison.
Fittingly, “KING TUT” announces the arrival of BEAM’s next project, Hollowman, coming soon. Loosely following themes found in the 2000 horror thriller Hollow Man, the body of work continues BEAM’s brilliant world-building storytelling found across his discography. This includes his 2022 album ALIEN, which weaves a narrative throughout, ruminating on stories of alienation, redemption and perseverance.
In the years since releasing his debut project 95, BEAM’s DNA can be found all over some of the most boundary-pushing music of today. He is a sought-after collaborator, having appeared on albums like Justin Bieber’s 2021 Billboard Top 200 #1 mega-smash album, Justice, on “Love You Different” among other collaborations together. In 2022, BEAM appeared on Beyoncé’s GRAMMY® Award-winning, culture-shifting RENAISSANCE on the song “ENERGY,” which spawned the instantly viral mute challenge. Earlier this year, he won a GRAMMY Award for “Best Dance/Electronic Recording” for work on Skrillex’s “Rumble,” further solidifying his eclectic and original artistry. BEAM has additionally worked with a wide variety of names, including Rihanna, Kanye West, Rick Ross, Meek Mill, 21 Savage and Internet Money.
After a six year hiatus, multi-talented artist Rebelski has returned to All Day I Dream with his new The Sirens EP, a collection of six ambient and enigmatic originals and an official remix by Tim Green.
Vast and absorbent, The Sirens is a transportive listening experience laden with complex melodies, sweeping instrumentals, and effervescent vocals appearing on tracks like ‘Memory Loss’, ‘Under Your Spell’, and the titular ‘The Sirens’. Serene, orchestral composition and organic instrumentation displayed on ‘Cascading Waves’ and ‘Jupiter’ highlight the sonic depth Rebelski has cultivated through his works as both a producer and session/touring musician.
Rebelski’s atmospheric six-track EP is complemented by an official remix from Tim Green. Lifting ‘The Sirens’ with breezy deep house rhythms, Tim Green transforms the track into a rolling 9-minute escape.
Princess Goes – release a Deluxe Edition of their critically acclaimed second album, ‘Come Of Age’ (via SO In De Goot Recordings). Stream HERE.
The New York trio – comprising Michael C. Hall (Dexter, Six Feet Under, Lazarus) alongside keyboardist Matt Katz-Bohen (Blondie, Cyndie Lauper) and drummer Peter Yanowitz (The Wallflowers, Morningwood) – are revisiting their latest work with an expanded format, which will now include creatively reimagined versions of tracks, plus thrilling live versions from their 2023 shows. Teaming-up with esteemed producer Brandon Bost (Mumford & Sons, U2, Lorde, Norah Jones, etc), the reimagined versions being made available exclusively on this release were all recorded at Echo Mountain Studio in Asheville, NC in the USA; with Bost also lending his expertise to the mixing of the tracks.
Among the reimagined tracks, listeners will also hear a brand new version of the fan favourite “Armageddon Suite”, from Princess’s debut album. Born from a prolific jamming session earlier this year, the band felt this re-invigorated version of the ‘Thanks For Coming’ classic felt so natural that they simply had to include it on their expanded edition of ‘Come of Age’.
Elsewhere, fans who caught Princess Goes’ epic headline set at EaRTH back in October 2023, will also have the opportunity to listen back to the transcendent version of “Beija (Live)” aired that night, with the track included as part of the seventeen-track Deluxe Edition.
Featuring five alternative versions of fan-favourite tracks, reimagined with fresh perspective, unique arrangements and subtle twists, the ‘Come of Age’ Deluxe Edition breathes new life into an already captivating album. Stream the full album now here:
GRAMMY-nominated, multi-platinum artist, producer, and songwriter Pyrex officially unleashes his new album Sincerely, Rex. A 15-track offering that continues to ignite momentum for the budding star, it serves as the Baltimore native’s follow-up to Guns N’ Romance, released at the top of this year. Powered by the singles “Wat im On,” “Screamin,” and “Met Gala,” Sincerely, Rex is Pyrex’s most candid release to date.
Stream Sincerely, Rex HERE.
“Write on my headstone, the greatest one to ever live,” croons the longtime member of Southside’s 808 Mafia on “Burning Bridges,” the pensive, surf psychedelia ballad that opens the album. It isn’t